Page 19 - Edge: Issue 6

Track
Energetic, effortful, and requires much skill: Which sport meets these qualities? Track.
Track is a place where athletes have to participate in many different events. These include long jump, dashes, long-distance runs, javelin throwing, and hurdles.
It is the sport for some of the most fit and active people, and the training has just begun for Edgewood students.
Adam Ussery, 12, is gaining excitement at the upcoming sports season. He is also beaming at the fact that he can reunite with his teammates.
“The atmosphere on the team is great. Being serious and giving it your all greatly play into the team’s mentality but there are also some times to crack a couple jokes and have a good laugh,” Ussery said.
For playing a difficult sport, Ussery has found his motivation through advancement and growth, amazed to see the changes from practice at competitions.
“The progress is a great motivator. When I see decreasing event times at every meet and the changes to my body from running, I only become more motivated,” Ussery said.
Ussery is very excited to show his skills this season,
“The goal for our team is to see progress and improvement.” -Ussery
especially during the events he specializes in.
“This year I will be participating in the 1 mile run, but I would also like to give the 800 meter relay a try, too,” Ussery
said.
The senior is also exhilarated for the extreme districts at
the end of the season, where the teams will have to give it their all.
“I am very excited for districts this year! We have a good team and I believe we will do well,” Ussery said.
Improvement is number one in the world of competition, and for no one is this more true than for Ussery.
“The goal for our team is to see progress and improvement by everyone at every meet. My personal goal is to have a 5:15 mile time by the end of the season,” said Ussery.
As the sport starts to mount in intensity, so do the players’ emotions. These MS and HS teams have a lot of practice ahead of them, but they will feel the rewards of achievement when their wins rack up.
Tennis
Tennis specializes in hand-eye coordination, and all of the players in this sport have to focus on this skill. From serving a tiny ball, to hitting it back-and-forth between the opponents, tennis rests on a foundation of technique and power.
Edgewood’s tennis teams are unraveling their skills on the court as they prepare for an intense season.
Emily Minot, 9, is getting ready to be back on the court with her coaches, teammates, and some inspiration.
“What motivates me is being able to get better by practicing,” Minot said.
She believes the team is a community with a foundation of trust and enthusiasm. The only way you can succeed is by communicating and working together.
“What motivates me is being able to get
better by practicing.” -Minot
“The atmosphere on the team is great! All of us are friends which makes it really fun,” Minot said. “My goal is to do my best. And, our team’s goal is to have fun and hopefully win!”
As the games creep up on these players, preparation is key. Everyone has to have their skills nurtured back to full strength this Spring.
“The most difficult part during matches is serving and placing the ball in spots where others can’t get it,” said Minot. She is very excited for the match against Merritt Island Christian School (MICS) where Edgewood’s tennis teams
can be fierce against their opponents.
These amazing girls and boys are preparing for an
amazing season this season, and with fierce practice at an efficient pace, the Edgewood tennis competitors are predicted to do amazing this year.
18